Words of Wisdom

Sunset at Lincoln Park

Excerpt from Dieter F. Uchtdorf's October 2012 General Conference Talk: Of Regrets and Resolutions

"So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial. 

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don't really matter or determine our happiness.

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.

We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available- all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. 

Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

Perhaps we should be looking less with our eyes and more with our hearts. I love the quote: "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes"

We are commanded to give thanks in all things. So isn't it better to see with our eyes and hearts even the small things we can be thankful for, rather than magnifying the negative in our current condition?

Let us resolve to be happy, regardless of our circumstances."